Fighting Erupts Across Northern Ethiopia, Peace Deal Falters

Fighting broke out Wednesday, September 23, 2026 across Tigray, Afar and Amhara. The TPLF-led regional administration said its forces entered a defensive war and had been instructed to counter an attack. Getachew Reda, an adviser to Abiy Ahmed, wrote on X that the TPLF "has taken over federal controlled airports in Tigray leading to the suspension of flights to and from Tigray. The TPLF politico-military leadership has obviously taken irresponsibility to new heights." Ethiopian Airlines suspended flights to the region. Four sources confirmed Tigrayan forces fought alongside a local armed group in Afar and the Fano militia in Amhara. On Sunday the TPLF announced an alliance with six other armed groups aimed at overthrowing Abiy's government. Billene Seyoum told Reuters Monday that alliance members had financial backing from Eritrea. Eritrea's information minister declined to comment. Spokespeople for Abiy, the federal government and the TPLF did not respond to comment requests. The November 2022 Pretoria Agreement ended the 2020-22 civil war that left hundreds of thousands dead. CONTESTED: TPLF says defensive war; Reda says all-out offensive and airport seizures. No other factual disputes found in the record.